How do you catch garfish in Sydney?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Updated on March 03, 2026
Take polaroids and if you see one under the float, let it munch away on the prawn for a bit unless you can see it obviously pulling on the line- sometimes they sit there after they’ve finished chewing. If one’s been there for a while, give your rod a little lift and it should set the hook.
How do you catch garfish in Australia?
Garfish tend to feed on weed and tiny crustaceans drifting through the water column, hence why suspending your bait using a float works so well. Rigging for garfish couldn’t be any simpler, all you need is a pencil float, some split shot sinkers to suit and either a size 10-12 long shank hook and you’re in business.
What is the best bait to catch garfish?
Best Bait For Alligator Gar:
- Common carp. Cut carp are frequently used as bait for alligator gar.
- Smallmouth buffalo. These freshwater fish are bottom-feeding members of the sucker family.
- Gizzard shad. Gizzard shad can be caught in freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams using a cast net.
- Scaled mullet.
How do you rig for garfish?
Saltwater Gar Fishing Rig:
- Use approx 600mm of leader.
- Attach your float to the top of the leader.
- Attach your #12 Long Shank hook.
- Place a “Small” Split Shot sinker approx 100mm above the hook.
- Place on a small piece of Worm, Prawn or Dough Bait.
- You are ready to fish!
Can you catch garfish on lures?
Garfish can be found pretty much anywhere where the water is warm and shallow with some foliage or rocks for cover. You can even lure them to wherever you are with enough berley. They hunt using their sense of smell, so will sniff it out from quite a way off and come to you.
How do you set up a garfish rig?
How do you fish for garfish?
Fish your lure in open water.
- Like an alligator gar, a longnose gar will take off as soon as it gets your bait. Let it go for at least a minute before you try to set the hook.
- Wait until the fish stops to swallow the bait. Then, set the hook quickly and firmly.
- Enjoy the fight!
Where can I find garfish in South Australia?
Garfish are generally available over the top of weed beds. Some good areas to find them are the flats at Palm Beach & at any of the small bays in Cowan Creek like Jerusalem Bay , Stingray Bay etc. There are generally few garfish at the bait grounds around Barrenjoey as well.
When is the best time to catch garfish?
Garfish are a great little fish to catch. They are delicious eating as well as being very good bait for larger fish. They are available from early spring right through the summer months and into autumn. I really enjoy catching garfish it is a lot of fun.
How do you catch garfish with Berley?
Other good berley sources are a bit of bread soaked in water and then mashed up. Just make sure it’s completely crushed into a fine mix, as larger pieces will float away and can take the fish with them on the tide or wind. One of the many great things about fishing for garfish is that it doesn’t require expensive outfits to catch them.
Where can I find garfish in Hawkesbury?
In the Hawkesbury & Pittwater there are 2 species of Gar fish the sea garfish & the river garfish. Garfish are generally available over the top of weed beds. Some good areas to find them are the flats at Palm Beach & at any of the small bays in Cowan Creek like Jerusalem Bay , Stingray Bay etc.